GENOA, Italy — Gaining a rare victory over a soccer power, the U.S. beat Italy 1-0 last night on Clint Dempsey’s goal in the 55th minute for the Americans’ first win over the Azzurri in 11 games over 78 years.

“It’s a work in progress,” Dempsey said. “I like to think that we’re closing the gap and hopefully one day we can do something special.”

Dempsey put a right-footed shot from just inside the penalty area past an outstretched hand of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Fabian Johnson had crossed to Jozy Altidore, who with his back to the goal against Italy’s Andrea Barzagli touched the ball back toward the top of the area.

“I think we look like a top team in the sense where we have one chance and we’re going to make it count,” Altidore said. “I think it’s a big step in the right direction.”

Among the seven nations considered the world powers — Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain — it was just the ninth win for the U.S. to go along with 48 losses and six ties. The Americans had been 0-7-3 against Italy and had been outscored 32-4.